Google And Levi's To Release Jacquard Smart Jacket In 2017

This Smart Jacket From Google And Levi's May Be The Game-Changer In Wearables We've Been Waiting For

Why Is This Important?

Because the future of tech doesn't include screens.

Long Story Short

Google is teaming up with Levi's for a denim smart jacket that'll allow you to accept/reject calls, skip song tracks and help you get to where you're trying to go. Project Jacquard may also have even more applications when it's released in 2017.

Long Story

Google revealed at Friday's I/O conference that it's working with Levi's to build a denim smart jacket that connects with your smartphone.

All you have to do is swipe your hand by the jacket's cuff and you'll be able to adjust the volume or flip tracks on Spotify, connect with Google Maps to find your way or decline a call. There could be even more applications, too, as developers will be able to start making apps for the high-tech jacket this fall with a beta release.

The Jacquard, as it's currently being called (name change please), can be worn whenever you'd wear your other denim jacket and you can toss it in the laundry as long as you unplug the chip in the tag, which you need to take out to charge anyways.

If you're wondering if the technology in the cuff will be clunky — it won't be. The woven sensors will be made to be "thin and flexible," according to the head of the project Ivan Poupyrev, as quoted by The Verge.

But why do we even need something that does what our smartphones already do? It's a fair question, and has been expressed online since the reveal (read a critique here), but I think as long as its remotely affordable, it could be pretty damn useful. Namely, it might address one of the most annoying things that has developed with smartphones — the problem that our eyes are always glued to them. We're distracted during dates, we walk into traffic and we crash our cars and bikes. If we have a way to keep our eyes focused on the more important things, then why not?

From a fashion perspective, it's not bad either. Unlike the smartwatch that screams 'look at me in my fancy watch' the Jacquard is more subtle, looking like any other Levi's product. And even if you don't like the look of it — it is sort of meh — this is just the first crack at the technology. It's bound to get cooler as more come out. That is, if it can become the first wearable to really catch on.

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How much is this going to cost when it comes out?

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Jean jackets everywhere = streets filled with Canadian tuxedos.

Drop This Fact

The Jacquard will be made in the same supply chain as Levi's regular jeans.